Sordid selfishness doth contract and narrow our benevolence, and cause us, like serpents, to infold ourselves within ourselves, and to turn out our stings to the entire world besides.

Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer.

Affection can withstand very severe storms of vigor, but not a long polar frost of indifference.

And better had they ne'er been born, Who read to doubt, or read to scorn.

True love's the gift which God has given To man alone beneath the heaven: It is not fantasy's hot fire, Whose wishes soon as granted fly; It liveth not in fierce desire.

Dear to me is my bonnie white steed; Oft has he helped me at pinch of need.

A sinful heart makes feeble hand.